Ep 20. French Pioneer Sword

In Forged in Fire season 7 episode 20 titled "French Pioneer Sword," four bladesmiths compete in a high-stakes challenge to forge a historical French pioneer sword.

The episode kicks off with host Wil Willis introducing the contestants and the challenge they face. The smiths must create a sword that would have been used by French soldiers during their exploration of America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their swords must feature a blade that is at least 22 inches long and a hilt that incorporates brass or copper fittings.

After learning about the specifications for the sword, the smiths head to the forge to begin their work. They must first select the proper type of steel for their blades and then begin the process of shaping and tempering the metal. The competitors face various hurdles during the forging process, including dealing with impurities in their steel and struggling to maintain the proper shape of their blades.

Once the blades are forged, the smiths move on to creating the hilts for their swords. They must incorporate brass or copper fittings into their hilts while also making sure they are aesthetically pleasing. As they work, they are mindful of the fact that their swords must be both historically accurate and functional weapons.

Finally, it's time for the judges to evaluate the blades. The smiths face a series of tests to see which sword is the strongest, sharpest, and most durable. They must chop through materials like ice blocks and ropes, and their swords are subjected to a stress test to see how well they hold up under pressure.

In the end, only one sword can be declared the winner. The episode concludes with the judges deliberating over the final results and announcing the champion. The winner earns a cash prize and the bragging rights that come with being named Forged in Fire champion.

Overall, "French Pioneer Sword" is an exciting and intense episode of Forged in Fire that showcases the skills and creativity of the competing bladesmiths. The historical context of the challenge adds an extra layer of intrigue, and viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the smiths work to create their swords. Anyone interested in history, weaponry, or craftsmanship will find this episode to be a must-watch.